Why do some people experience same-gender attraction?The most honest answer to this question is that no one really knows for sure. There are a lot of theories about this, but it is very hard to prove them one way or another. Some people tend to think that same-gender attraction is caused by genetic or biological causes before a person is born. Others tend to think it is caused by environmental factors, things that happen or that you learn as you grow up. The arguments back and forth on this issue are very complex, and can be a bit overwhelming sometimes. So here are a couple things to keep in mind. - Different people have different stories, and what fits in one person's story may not be true for everyone. For example some people have connected their own attractions to the same sex with being sexually abused. While this may be true for them, it would be wrong to assume everyone who has been abused experiences same sex attraction, or that all people who are same gender attracted must have been abused.
- Both sides of the debate can sometimes use research in misleading ways in order to try and be right, so it is wise to read the research carefully. Newspapers and magazines can sometimes claim that a study proves more than it actually does.
- It is hard sometimes to tell the difference between a cause and an effect. In some studies it has been observed that there is a difference between gay men and straight men. However it is not always clear if the difference made them gay, or the difference is a result of being gay.
- Knowing why does not necessarily help you figure out what to do. There are many things that can be biological that aren't good for you. Studies have shown your genes could make you more inclined to be an alcoholic, or to overeat. That does not mean that drinking to excess or overeating is good or right. In the same way just because something is environmental does not mean it is right or wrong. However you decide on what is right or wrong, simply knowing why you feel that way will not solve the question.
- Ultimately whether biological factors, environmental factors, or both cause same gender attraction, you still have a choice over what you do. Part of being an adult is learning when to have self-control over your desires and then to make good decisions about which ones to act on and which ones not to.
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